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Updated
Marina Del Rey is a seaside oasis in the midst of bustling Los Angeles County. The 780-acre area was designed by renowned architect Victor Gruen after a public-private partnership began in 1953, when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a loan to fund the construction of a marina. The result is one of the largest manmade small craft harbors in the world, with dozens of multi-family residential buildings, restaurants and bars that make it a desirable place to call home.
The marina is a small, upscale enclave with a little more than 9,000 people living in the nearly one-square-mile radius. The population is well educated, with a large percentage having earned higher education degrees. There is a high number of single residents and renters. The area is also home to the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute, one of the nation’s largest and most successful university-affiliated computer research institutes.
Located on the west side of Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey is four miles from Los Angeles International Airport and a quick two miles from the heart of Venice Beach. The Venice canals are right above the marina, and the Santa Monica Pier and beaches are also a short drive away. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail circles the marina and connects with the rest of the coastline, providing one of the easiest methods of transportation. It is also easily accessible by the 405, 10 and 105 freeways.
Restaurants dot the boat slips, attracting diners with a variety of cuisines and waterfront views. Whiskey Red’s is a popular spot thanks to the largest waterfront patio in the area. Slightly to the north on the eastern side of the main channel is Fisherman’s Village, a kitschy New England style row of wooden buildings along a promenade. The village is home to live music venues, restaurants and boat and bike rentals. The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is another main attraction. The recreation facility is open to the public, and provides watersport classes and rentals.